On Friday, April 19th, thirty seminarians from McCormick, LSTC, CTU and the U. of C. Div School joined together to share a meal, our unique Christian identities, and seminary experiences. This was a learning experience for everyone involved and also a networking opportunity for Christian leaders who found common interests across denominational lines.
The evening started off with a prayer and a finely crafted family style meal prepared by the LSTC Refectory staff. Students were divided evenly so you were given the opportunity to sit with new faces and get to know each other during the meal.
Following the meal, one Presbyterian, Lutheran, Catholic seminary student presented their personal faith narrative and theological perspective to the group. Tyler Orem shared his story of the Presbyterian tradition - rather eloquently I might add. At the individual tables, students were given the opportunity to share their own stories which turned into an open dialogue between Christians who realized how little they knew about each other! Even just when talking about what seminary life was like, there was a huge diversity of experiences, and we all live in the same neighborhood.
We plan to continue these types of ecumenical student events in Fall 2013. Plans that are being discussed currently are more dinners with student speakers and themed dialogue, ecumenical pub nights, and opportunities to serve our community to promote justice and peace together. If you would like to be involved in these events in the future, please contact bensnipes@go.mccormick.edu.
We have also been invited to the 13th Annual Ecumenical Prayer Service for Christian Unity for Chicago on Sunday June 9th at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact bensnipes@go.mccormick.edu for more information. I look forward to more ecumenical exchange in the future! I hope you can join.
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